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Photograph items when they’re wet

With the rainy season well underway, the American Society of Appraisers has several tips on how homeowners can receive greater reimbursement for items damaged by water.

The ASA recommends photographing all possessions before moving to salvage them because the insurance company and adjusters will need documentation of the damages.

They also report that it’s possible to get items appraised even after they have been damaged, and suggest having an appraiser look at any items an insurance adjuster may not be familiar with.

A retrospective appraisal can only be done if property lost to water can be proved to have existed and that the owner was in possession of the property.

Written proof, such as a receipt or bill of sale can be used to establish ownership if the property is lost.